4 Teen Modeling Tips to Take Home with You

Now that you’ve made the decision to become a teen model, what’s the first thing you should do?

Despite how the media portrays modeling as an industry focused solely on looks, most, if not all, modeling agencies in Pennsylvania look for teen models that have more than beauty to boast of. Looks are important, but commitment, smarts and perseverance are just as crucial to your success.

You also have to have an understanding of the challenges and difficulties you will face when becoming a fashion model in the highly competitive modeling industry. Thousands of teens each year try to chase the dream of becoming a top model, but only a few actually manage to succeed.

Here are some tips to help you join the select few talented and successful teen models out there.

1. Be Punctual

Just like in any other job, it’s important to show up to shoots and gigs on time, every time. Do take note that your job as a teen model may require you to go to different locations, some of which may be far from home. That said, be sure to set out early and prepare yourself for traffic, getting lost, and finding a parking spot.

2. Be Available

Between a teen model who’s always available and one that’s not, modeling agencies in Pennsylvania will always go for the former. So you want to make sure that you’re able to say “yes” to as many gigs and shots as you can. Be sure to take calls and return them promptly.

3. Be Professional

Modeling is not your typical office job, but that doesn’t mean you can be laid back and easy-going. Be professional, pay attention at shoots, be attentive during auditions and interviews, and always be ready to work. Professionalism, not looks, is one of the most effective ways to built a reputation for yourself in the teen modeling industry—especially when you consider the number of childish teenagers out there.

4. Be Yourself

Let your personality shine as a teen model. Be yourself, be comfortable, and be confident when you’re at work or auditions. Part of being yourself means that you should be honest when answering questions and sharing your opinions—but that doesn’t mean you can be rude. Be assertive and don’t allow yourself to be forced into a situation you’re not entirely comfortable with.

These 4 “Be’s” are just some of the ways you can be a successful teen model. Remember these tips and you’re more likely to gain an edge over your competition.

Tips to Get your Child into Modeling, Film and TV without Packing your Bags for New York or LA

Looking to get your child into the entertainment industry?

More often than not, talents that want access to a steady stream of jobs may have to leave their hometowns and move to entertainment industry hubs like New York and Los Angeles.

However, there are actually ways to get your child into the industry without leaving the comforts of your town or city. Below are 5 tips to do just that.

1. Build their Resumes

Start by building your child’s resume, depending on what facet of the talent industry he/she is interested in. If it’s acting on film and TV, it pays to help your child get experience at the local Community Theater. This allows your child to gain experience with auditioning, learning lines and being in front of strangers.

2. Search for classes in your area

A child with acting and modeling classes under his/her belt is far more likely to catch the eye of talent agencies. Classes are essential in a child talent’s resume, so be sure to sign your child up for local classes if you can. Your city or town is likely to have on-camera acting classes for budding actors, or runway classes for young models.

3. Practice Taking Photos

Headshots will be the first thing most modeling agencies in New York will look at when accepting applications from child models. Headshots will be most important for children over the age of 10. For little tots younger than 6, professionally-done snapshots will be most effective.

When selecting pictures for submission to agencies, it’s important not to be overly cute. Yes, a child is adorable when making cute faces, but casting agents prefer to keep things simple, choosing photographs of children with sincere smiles. Neutrality is the best course of action here.

4. Find Agencies Near You

If you’re from Pittsburgh, it makes perfect sense to find modeling agencies in Pennsylvania. You’ll be surprised to know that there are more agencies than you think there are in your area. Of course, it’ll probably take some driving to get to the agency, but that certainly beats having to pack your bags and take the risk of moving to New York or LA.

5. Don’t Force your Child into Show Business

Show businesses can offer a lucrative career for your child, but be a good parent and do the right thing: don’t force your child into this industry. It’s all well and good if your child has a good time acting and modeling, but if it’s taking time away from living a normal childhood or causing distress, you should know when to stop.

Spot a Legit Modeling Agency from a Scam

Becoming a successful model in the industry means that you have to be careful with the company you keep. Some modeling agencies in Pennsylvania are actually run by fraudsters who rip off unsuspecting models of their hard-earned money. Their promise of turning you into a”super model” might just get you into trouble or financial problems. Protect yourself and know how to spot a scam from a real agency that’s willing to help your career.

Always ask questions

A legitimate, trustworthy modeling agency isn’t going to have any problems providing you detailed and reliable answers about the company and would even offer you references of their clients and models if you ask them. If the agency representative your talking too seems to ditch your questions about the details of the company, has a hard time answering you when it comes to references, or is more interested in getting a signing fee from you, then it could be a possible scam.

Fees or no fees

You have to check if they have a sign-up fee or not. Modeling agencies that ask you to pay them before you can actually get a modeling job are often not legitimate. Most agencies actually explain to you that they will not ask for fees or would only take a small percentage of your talent fee as their commission. If they ask for some kind of payment for a photographer for a shoot to make your portfolio, then there’s a big possibility that their not legit.

Review the roster

You should be able to ask them about the models who are under their wing. Ask them to see some of the projects their models have done and check if they are of high quality or not. No matter how small or well-known the modelingagencies in Pennsylvania are, they should be able to give you top quality output.

Time and place

No legitimate modeling agency would ask you to have a meeting at night or during the weekends. Keep in mind that this is a business you’re dealing with so they should also operate during usual business hours. They should also have a real office where you can visit them during meetings.

Pay for your own classes

Most legit agencies would gladly pay for your modeling classes and even your photo shoots for your portfolio. They’ll treat you like an investment and make sure you’re ready to take on the modeling world because you represent them, and they want their clients to know that you’re one of the best models around.